IPL 2026: ‘They have turned their season around at the right time’ – Former IPL star backs KKR for playoff push

Former Indian Premier League (IPL) star Aditya Tare has shared his views on Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) playoff chances in IPL 2026. The three-time champions have bounced back strongly after a difficult start to the season, winning four consecutive matches.

Despite their resurgence, KKR currently sit seventh in the points table with four wins from 10 matches. They also earned one point from a washed-out fixture against Punjab Kings, taking their tally to nine points.

Tare believes KKR will still back themselves to qualify for the playoffs, stressing that teams peaking during the business end of the tournament often go on to achieve success. He pointed out that momentum in the latter stages of the IPL can significantly change a team’s fortunes.

After enduring a poor run earlier in the campaign, including six matches without a win, KKR are now pushing hard for a late comeback in their quest to secure a place in the top four.

“The IPL is won by teams that build momentum at the business end and KKR with back-to-back victories have turned their season around when it mattered the most. They have some great match-winners, and now they have started to fire together as a unit. Their spin attack has come back to life, which has given them an edge,” said Tare on Star Sports.

“Their pace attack is picking up regular wickets. The form of Finn Allen and Cameron Green with the bat is looking good. They lost five games in a row at the start, but now they have turned it around and will fancy their chances of getting into the race for the top four,” he added.

Speaking about the match, KKR registered a dominant eight-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals. Batting first, DC posted 142/8 in their 20 overs. Pathum Nissanka top-scored with a brisk 50 off 29 balls, smashing five fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 172.41. For KKR, Anukul Roy impressed with figures of 2/31, while Kartik Tyagi claimed 2/25 in his four-over spell.

In reply, KKR chased down the target comfortably, reaching 147/2 in just 14.2 overs. Finn Allen starred after coming in as the Impact Player, hammering an unbeaten 100 off just 47 deliveries. His sensational knock included five fours and 10 sixes at a remarkable strike rate of 212.77.

Axar Patel was one of the few bright spots for DC with the ball, returning figures of 1/27 from his four overs. Allen also shared a match-winning 116-run partnership off only 64 balls for the third wicket with Cameron Green, guiding KKR to a commanding win.

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